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Rape and Responsibility - How and How Much Is the Victim Blamed?

NCJ Number
89996
Journal
Sex Roles Volume: 7 Issue: 5 Dated: (1981) Pages: 547-559
Author(s)
J Luginbuhl; C Mullin
Date Published
1981
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study found that chance would be seen as a more important causal factor for rape when the victim was respectable and that her character was viewed as more important when she was unrespectable.
Abstract
In two separate experiments, subjects made attributions after reading a brief description of a rape. Males placed more blame on the victim's character than females, while females emphasized the role of chance more than males. Implications of these study results for the treatment of rape victims within the court system are discussed. Tables, 2 notes, and 22 references are included. (Author abstract modified)

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